Sea Turtles are quite ubiquitous in the Galapagos Islands. It is not uncommon to see from the main pier in Puerto Ayora or bobbing in the waters around various uninhabited islands. Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles are sometimes seen passing through the islands, but the predominant species is the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii).
The Green Sea Turtle is the only species to nest in the Galapagos Islands. The nesting season is between December to June with the peak months of February & March). During these months you can often find tracks from the mothers leading from the ocean to the edge of the dunes where they dig nests and lay 50-200 eggs. The eggs incubate for about 50-60 days and the event cummulates with the hatchlings making a mad dash to the sea, hoping to avoid predators such as birds, crabs and fish.
Obviously these are delicate ecosystems so enforcement of minimum distances is very important.
The adults can often be seen feeding on seagrass and algae in coastal waters though they can hold their breath for up to 5 hours while resting. This species is known for long-distance migrations with some traveling thousands of miles across the Pacific. They can live up to 80 years.
The most common locations to see these beautiful animals are while snorkeling or diving at Los Túneles (Isabela) or Bartolomé Island (near Pinnacle Rock). They can regularly be found nesting on the beaches of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, and Española. In fact, the Galapagos Green Sea Turtle is the only population that nests strictly in the tropics.